Key lawmaker calls Minneapolis stadium plan inadequate

The lead author of stadium legislation in the Minnesota House complains that Minneapolis' site proposal has not been vetted and that the city's plan is "quite inadequate." Rep. Morrie Lanning's comments are contrary to the upbeat remarks of his Senate counterpart, Julie Rosen, who said this week the Minneapolis plan is gaining strength.

The lead author of stadium legislation in the Minnesota House complains that Minneapolis' site proposal has not been vetted and that the city's plan is "quite inadequate." Rep. Morrie Lanning's comments are contrary to the upbeat remarks of his Senate counterpart, Julie Rosen, who said this week the Minneapolis plan is gaining strength.

Never mind the Legislature, Mayor R.T. Rybak may not be able to get his stadium proposal past Minneapolis' city council. Council members were underwhelmed by the mayor's presentation of a plan that would apply city sales tax money to a Vikings stadium once Minneapolis' convention center is paid off. A head count by the Downtown Journal finds Rybak lacks the votes to pass it right now.

Mayor R.T. Rybak is set to announce details of a "workforce agreement" at a press conference Monday afternoon, WCCO reports. The latest proposal would put a new stadium on ground right next to the current Metrodome.

Seven of the thirteen council members say they would not support the plan to raise more than $300 million for a Vikings stadium unless it was approved by voters. Mayor R.T. Rybak says there won't be a referendum and he thinks some council members may still change their thinking.

The newest plan to build a home for the Minnesota Vikings comes in just under $1 billion. The Vikings will pay about half of that amount. The rest will come from Minneapolis and the state. Governor Mark Dayton says 'not a single tax dollar from the state's general fund' will go for the project. (Rendering from the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.)

Members of the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce wrote a letter to some key state leaders accusing them of holding the Arden Hills site to a higher standard than Minneapolis. They're also questioning why Ramsey County was not invited to tap revenue from electronic pull-tabs and entertainment taxes.

Speaking at the NFL owners' meeting in Florida, Vikings owner Zygi Wilf says Minneapolis officials support for the stadium at the Metrodome site is encouraging. But he's not nearly ready to declare victory.

Fox 9 reports opposition from church leaders and a lack of support on the Minneapolis City Council has lawmakers shying away from a stadium site alongside the Basilica of St. Mary. The Metrodome site is reportedly the new frontrunner.